John Harbaugh didn’t anticipate coaching Malik Nabors, especially since the receiver isn’t expected to be picked by the Ravens in the upcoming 2024 draft. However, he was looking forward to protecting him once every few seasons.
When they had their initial phone conversation shortly after Harbaugh’s hiring by the Giants, while Nabors was recovering from a torn ACL in Los Angeles, there was a lot to discuss.
“I really enjoyed our chat,” Harbaugh shared. “His enthusiasm and ideas were refreshing. He’s a thoughtful individual. We didn’t get the chance to—well, draft him—so I was like, ‘Wow, look at this guy.’ He’s genuinely a good person. It feels like a dream.”
Nabors openly admits his thoughts often circle back to “just throw me the ball.” Previously, with former head coach Brian Daboll, he played a role in calling plays and even evaluating quarterbacks.
This month, Nabors mentioned he wouldn’t rush back for Week 1 if he wasn’t feeling up to it, but general manager Joe Schoen sounded a bit more hopeful.
Schoen noted that after undergoing surgery on October 28, Nabors is “hopefully on track to be ready” for the start of training camp.
“Things can change,” Shane interjected quickly. “That’s just the hope.”
Harbaugh hinted at a good number of players from the Ravens’ coaching and support staff who might join the Giants—though he emphasized the need for caution.
He added that they wouldn’t have clarity until everything is finalized. Meanwhile, as per NFL Network, the Ravens have put a hold on special teams coordinator Chris Horton and others from taking lateral moves, likely as they wait to bring in a new head coach.
As for the Giants, they need to adhere to the Rooney Rule, which means interviewing a couple of minority candidates for the coordinator position and one for quarterbacks coach. The rule doesn’t apply to other coaching roles.
Harbaugh expressed confidence in a strong internal candidate while planning to meet with him soon.
One reason Harbaugh appeals to the Giants is his successful coaching lineage. Previous coaches have had a tough time assembling effective staffs.
“We plan to create the best coaching staff we can,” Harbaugh said. “My dad always emphasized that a coach is primarily a teacher. It’s vital to craft a structured vision that allows players to operate swiftly and make the most of their skills.”
Meanwhile, Todd Monken, formerly the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, is considered a potential coaching candidate for the Browns. Even if that doesn’t happen, he’s seen as the front-runner to take charge of playcalling for Jackson Dart.
“There are plenty of talented offensive minds out there, and we’ll be reaching out to several candidates on that front, given its importance,” Schoen said.
Schoen also mentioned that running back Cam Skatebo, who had his season cut short by a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia, “should be fine” to join the offseason program starting April 6.
